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Fastenal Company Announces Conference Call to Review 2018 Annual and Fourth Quarter Earnings

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WINONA, Minn., Jan. 02, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fastenal Company (Nasdaq:FAST) announced the date and time for its conference call to review 2018 annual and fourth quarter results, as well as current operations. The conference call will be broadcast live over the Internet on Thursday, January 17, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. central time.To access the call, please visit the following Web address:

https://investor.fastenal.com/events.cfm

Our conference call presentation (which includes information, supplemental to that contained in our earnings announcement, regarding results for the quarter) will be available at 6:00 a.m., central time, on the day of the conference call. To access the presentation, please visit the following Web address: https://investor.fastenal.com/releases.cfm

An online archive of the broadcast will be available within one hour of the conclusion of the call and will remain available until March 1, 2019. Participants must have a soundcard and speakers to listen to the online broadcast.

*About Fastenal*

Fastenal helps customers simplify and realize product and process savings across their supply chain. We sell a broad offering of products spanning more than nine major product categories, including fasteners, safety equipment and services, tools, and general maintenance supplies. These products are efficiently distributed to manufacturing facilities, job sites, and other customer locations through local service teams and point-of-use inventory solutions, including industrial vending technology and bin stock programs (Fastenal Managed Inventory, or FMI^®). Our distribution system centers on approximately 3,100 public branches and customer-specific Onsite locations, primarily in North America but also in Asia, Europe, and Central and South America, each providing tailored inventory, flexible service, and custom solutions to drive the unique goals of local customers. These in-market servicing locations are supported by 14 regional distribution centers, a captive logistics fleet, robust sourcing, quality and manufacturing resources, and multiple teams of industry specialists and support personnel - all working toward Fastenal’s common goal of Growth Through Customer Service^®.

Additional information regarding Fastenal is available on the Fastenal Company website at www.fastenal.com.

FAST-G

CONTACT: Ellen Stolts
  Financial Reporting & Regulatory Compliance Manager
  507.313.7282 Reported by GlobeNewswire 23 minutes ago.

Trump says he could be 'most popular person in Europe' and 'run for any office'

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'My relationship, I will tell you, with the leaders of Europe is very good,' president says Reported by Independent 27 minutes ago.

ELBIT IMAGING ANNOUNCES HEARING’S PANEL DATE

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Tel Aviv, Israel, Jan. 02, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --  *Elbit Imaging Ltd. (“EI” or the “Company”) (TASE, NASDAQ: EMITF)* announced today that The Nasdaq Stock Market (“*Nasdaq*”) granted the Company’s request for a hearing before the Nasdaq Hearings Panel (the “*Panel*”). The hearing will take place on January 31, 2019 at which time the Company will present its plan to regain compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(b)(3)(C), under which the Company must maintain a minimum market value of its publicly held shares of $15,000,000 for 30 consecutive business days, and request a further extension of time to comply.

Accordingly, the delisting action has been stayed, pending a final written decision by the Panel.

There can be no assurance that the Panel will ultimately grant an extension of the compliance period.

*About Elbit Imaging Ltd.*

Elbit Imaging Ltd. operates in the following principal fields of business: (i) medical industries through our indirect holdings in Insightec Ltd. and Gamida Cell Ltd.; (ii) land in India which is designated for sale (and which was initially designated for residential projects); and (iii) land in Eastern Europe which is designated for sale (and which was initially designated for development of commercial centers).

*For Further Information:*

*Company Contact* * *
*Ron Hadassi*  
CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors  
Tel: +972-3-608-6048
Fax: +972-3-608-6050  
ron@elbitimaging.com   Reported by GlobeNewswire 13 minutes ago.

Greenberg Traurig’s Ed Wallace Moderates Discussion at Citizens Budget Commission Conference

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Attorney Ed Wallace, often described in the media as one of New York’s most influential, directed the discussion during the lunchtime panel at the recent Citizens Budget Commission (CBC) conference, which focused on what the organization called “The Most Important Fiscal and Economic Issues Facing New York State.”

(PRWEB) January 02, 2019

Attorney Ed Wallace, often described in the media as one of New York’s most influential, directed the discussion during the lunchtime panel at the recent Citizens Budget Commission (CBC) conference, which focused on what the organization called “The Most Important Fiscal and Economic Issues Facing New York State.”

Wallace serves as vice chair and outside general counsel for the CBC and is co-chair of the New York City office of award-winning global law firm Greenberg Traurig LLP.

Participating on Wallace’s panel were reporters Laura Nahmias with POLITICO New York and Jimmy Vielkind from the Wall Street Journal; and New York Post editorial board member Michael Benjamin. The conference was held Dec. 17 at SUNY Global Center. Video of Wallace’s panel can be viewed at this link.

The half-day conference brought together CBC trustees, policy experts, state officials, and business and civic leaders to discuss the key economic and fiscal issues facing the governor and other state leaders. According to the CBC, the organization is a “nonpartisan, nonprofit civic organization whose mission is to achieve constructive change in the finances and services of New York City and New York State government.”

Wallace was recently named number 12 on City & State’s 2018 “Manhattan Power 50” list. He is the highest-ranked practicing attorney on the list. He has been listed in multiple editions of The Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers, and is rated AV Preeminent® by Martindale-Hubbell.

In 1981, Wallace became the then-youngest city council member in New York City representing the Borough of Manhattan. Wallace began his career in the Chelsea-neighborhood office of the Legal Aid Society. From 1986 to 1992, he served as vice president for finance at Mort Zuckerman’s Boston Properties.

From 2012-2014, Wallace was chair of New Yorkers for Parks (NY4P), which The New York Times called “the city’s leading parks advocacy group,” and he now sits on the NY4P Board. He is on the executive committee of the French-American Foundation Board.

Wallace serves as a trusted advisor to his clients. He has represented Columbia University, NYU, and Fordham University in their Manhattan expansions. He has advised Extell, Silverstein, Fetner Properties, and other leading developers and financial and media companies in obtaining government approvals.

About Greenberg Traurig, LLP: Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GT) has more than 2,000 attorneys in 38 offices in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. GT has been recognized for its philanthropic giving, was named the largest firm in the U.S. by Law360 in 2017, and is among the Top 20 on the 2018 Am Law Global 100. Web: http://www.gtlaw.com Twitter: @GT_Law. Reported by PRWeb 7 minutes ago.

Tottenham are determined to sign Christian Eriksen to a new contract

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Tottenham are determined to sign Christian Eriksen to a new contract Tottenham remain determined to tie Christian Eriksen down to a new deal, despite the Dane's reluctance to commit his future to the club encouraging Europe's top sides. Reported by MailOnline 8 hours ago.

Harlem Hellfighters: The black soldiers who brought jazz to Europe

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Harlem Hellfighters: The black soldiers who brought jazz to Europe A US regiment of musicians called the Harlem Hellfighters helped the French discover the joys of jazz. Reported by BBC News 6 hours ago.

More of the day's top business news

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Costa Coffee owner *Whitbread* has agreed a £36m takeover of Coffeeheaven, which operates 90 coffee shops across central and eastern Europe.

*Wells Fargo* has become the last remaining US bank to announce it is repaying government bailout funds, with the proposed return of $25bn (£15bn).

Outsourcing group *Serco* has said it remains on track to hit full-year financial targets. Reported by teletext 5 hours ago.

Android stomps across Europe with 73.3% of key market smartphone sales

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Android stomps across Europe with 73.3% of key market smartphone sales Reported by Eurodroid 4 hours ago.

Do we have too many prisoners serving life sentences?

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Do we have too many prisoners serving life sentences? The UK has more people serving life sentences than any other country in Europe, and campaigners say it is leading to prison overcrowding Reported by The Sentinel Stoke 1 hour ago.

New electric cars 2019/2020: What’s coming and when?

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Every debut and new model due to arrive this year and next, all in one place

Keeping track of every new car and knowing when they’re due to go on sale can be tough, especially if you’re only interested in EVs.

There are so many due to arrive over the next twelve months, so it’s worth learning how long you’ll be waiting for the one you want to go on sale. 2019 will see major launches from well-known electric pioneers like Tesla, Nissan and Renault, as well as new entrants to the category from the likes of Audi, Mini, DS, Skoda and more.

The first half of 2020 looks to be even more stacked, as manufacturers work hard to meet increasingly tough emissions rules with the introduction of more all-electric models.

Here is our comprehensive list of what EVs are coming when in the car industry.

*January*

-BMW i3 120Ah -

The latest version of BMW’s pure electric car may have only received a minor facelift in the six years it has been on sale, but it still looks every bit the modern machine, with dimensions and a spacious interior made possible by ditching petrol power for electric power.

For 2019, BMW has scrapped the combustion engine altogether, removing the range extender model from sale in favour of a larger capacity battery. The new 120Ah lithium-ion battery will apparently deliver 193 miles between charges, a 30% improvement over the old version. The more potent i3S should manage 177 miles between top-ups.

*March*

-Audi e-tron -

Revealed in late 2018 and already tested on roads in the UAE, Audi’s first electric SUV will arrive in the UK in early 2019 to take on the Jaguar I-Pace and Tesla Model X. It is a premium model, with options like virtual wingmirrors that use cameras and small digital displays instead of glass, and promises 402bhp from its two electric motors. In Boost mode, it will achieve a 0-62mph sprint time of 5.7 seconds, and on to an electronically limited top speed of 124mph. Range is estimated at 249 miles on the WLTP cycle.

-Kia e-Niro -

With partner brand Hyundai’s Kona Electric transforming the landscape of the EV market with its 279 mile range and sub-£30,000 price, a near unbeatable combination at the time of writing, the e-Niro has every chance of being just as important.

In the past, you either spent more, or accepted significantly less range with a selection of more affordable city cars and hatchbacks. The Kia looks set to reverse that trend. With a 100kW fast charger it will reclaim 80% charge in as little as 54 minutes, and promises a 0-62mph sprint in 7.8 seconds.

-Tesla Model Y -

Due for a reveal in March, but not expected to go on sale in the UK for at least twelve months after, the sister car to the Model 3 will arrive as a much-in-demand compact SUV. Little has been revealed ahead of an official announcement, but it is expected to share its platform and powertrain with the Model 3 saloon.

A more advanced version of the company’s ‘supercomputer’ semi-autonomous driving system is also predicted, as is a more potent Performance variant.

*June*

-Tesla Model 3-

It has taken a long time for Tesla’s third model to make its way to the UK, and not just because right-hand drive models are lower down the priority list than US-friendly left-hookers. The company’s famously troubled production has meant a longer gestation period than eager customers were hoping for, and predicted pricing is a lot higher than the equivalent in Tesla’s home territory.

But even with those issues, the Model 3 stands to be a massively popular mass-produced compact saloon. A WLTP-certified 338 miles for the Dual Motor Long Range version gives it the longest range of any electric car, and based on an early drive in San Fransisco last year, refinement is second to none in its class.

*July*

-Mercedes-Benz EQC-

The first car in Mercedes’ critical EQ electric range, the EQC will compete with the Tesla Model X and Jaguar I-Pace at the premium end of the market. It’s based on a heavily modified version of the existing GLC platform, with twin electric motors - one powering the front wheels and another the rears.

Combined power output is 402bhp, with 564lb ft of torque on tap to propel the 2425kg EQC to a limited 112mph top speed. In Sport mode, it will achieve the 0-62mph sprint in 5.1 seconds. Range is estimated at 249 miles on the WLTP cycle, which should translate to around 200 miles of real-world range.

-MG eZS -

UK sales have yet to be confirmed for MG’s first electric car, a version of the ZS compact SUV. Technical specifications have been equally hard to come by, following the car’s reveal at the Guangzhou motor show in China back in November 2018, but it is understood to use a single electric motor that will send 148bhp to the front wheels. The battery should be good for 268 miles of range under the old NEDC cycle, meaning a real-world distance of around 200 miles.

*August*

-Renault Zoe -

In second-generation guise, the Zoe will be the first to use an all-new bespoke EV platform that allows for greater battery capacity. It should allow Renault’s compact electric supermini to achieve up to 250 miles of range per charge, a match for the existing R110’s NECD claimed range.

Heavily-camouflaged prototypes have been spotted testing, revealing a front end inspired by the upcoming 2019 Clio, a curvier rear-end, and a higher quality interior. Multiple power outputs and ranges are expected, but prices and performance figures have yet to be confirmed.

*September*

-Audi e-tron Sportback -

The first Audi saloon to go all-electric, the E-tron Sportback was first shown in concept form way back in 2017 at the Shanghai motor show. The production version will share a platform with the E-tron SUV, which will have been on sale for six months by the time this model reaches UK showrooms.

It will deliver a sportier drive, according to Audi, along with a coupe-like body style. The powertrain will likely be identical, meaning twin electric motors delivering 355bhp and a battery capable of 250 miles between charges. Using Boost mode, 0-60mph times should be in the mid 5-seconds.

-Porsche Taycan-

Is it hyperbole to say the Taycan will be the most important car to ever roll out of Porsche’s Stuttgart headquarters? Maybe not, but the sporting four-door EV will certainly play a big part in the company’s future. It has seen Porsche invest £5.3 billion in electrification projects, and will likely influence future models including the iconic 911.

Previewed as the Mission E, the production version will debut at the Frankfurt motor show, with pricing to put it between the Cayenne SUV and Panamera saloon.

-Hyundai Ionic-

Although little is known about Hyundai’s plans for its refreshed Ioniq, development mules have been spotted testing in the US and it is a safe bet that the company will use advances in its electric powertrains to overhaul the EV version towards the end of 2019. The maximum range should therefore be a close match to the Kona Electric SUV, with performance figures to match. It will be joined by hybrid and PHEV options.

*October*

-Aston Martin Rapide E -

The first electric Aston will be more of a taster of things to come from Gaydon. The limited-run luxury saloon will be based on the existing Rapide, but swap its petrol drivetrain for twin electric motors that send 602bhp and somewhere in the region of 738lb ft of torque to the rear wheels. Weight should be almost on par with the petrol model.

Aston is reportedly looking for a 0-60mph time of four seconds, to put the electric version on par with the Rapide S. Aston’s focus has been on ‘repeatable performance’, meaning foot-to-floor acceleration runs that can be done without resulting in a rapidly sapped battery, and a quoted 155mph top speed that can be maintained for ten minutes. No word on pricing as yet.

-Kia Soul EV -

An updated design and upgraded interior aren’t the only changes for the second-generation Soul EV - it also borrows a powertrain from the e-Niro crossover. With Europe not getting any kind of combustion engined-model, the sole Soul will be electric, with a 201bhp power output from a 64kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack.

Range has yet to be confirmed, but it should at least match the 279 miles quoted for the e-Niro. A 10.25in touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto should improve things inside the cabin, too.

-Mini Cooper S E -

A potential watershed moment for EVs, the upcoming Mini could become the very first electric hot hatchback. It is set to arrive with a powertrain influenced by the one found in the BMW i3, and will be built on an adapted version of the platform currently being used by the Mini hatchback.

Near-instant torque and a 0-62mph time of less than even seconds mean it should earn its Cooper branding. Range details have yet to be released, but handling is promised to be a lot closer to the original 60’s-era Mini - which sounds like a recipe for success to us.

-Polestar 2 -

Volvo’s electric sub-brand will introduce its first pure EV in 2019, with a winter reveal predicted but nothing as yet confirmed. The Polestar 2 will be a mid-sized saloon priced between £30,000 and £50,000, offer a range as high as 350 miles, and as much as 400bhp on tap.

It will almost certainly take design cues from the 40.2 concept shown in early 2017, as well as the 40.1 concept that went on to inspire the Volvo XC40 compact SUV. It is unknown if Polestar will use a similar sales model to its flagship 1 performance hybrid, which will be sold by subscription.

*November*

-DS 3 Crossback E-Tense -

Set to share its CMP platform with the upcoming Vauxhall Corsa and Peugeot 208, the 3 Crossback will be the first electric DS model and beat its PS group brethren to market by several months.

Designed as a direct rival for the Volvo XC40 and Audi Q2, the Crossback will focus on comfortable, high-end interiors, distinctive exterior styling inspired by the 7 Crossback, and an electric range of around 180 miles from a 50kWh lithium-ion battery. 0-62mph performance is estimated at 8.7 seconds, with a top speed of 93mph.

-Volkswagen ID-

Designed and built as a pure electric car, the ID hatchback will be a crucial launch for VW. It will closely match the Golf hatchback in size, and the company is anticipating a price close to that of a Golf diesel, making it a more affordable EV than existing models.

It will be built on the modular MEB platform, and offer a variety of battery options for a range of between 249 and 373 miles between charges. According to VW, the final design will remain true to the original concept, which was first revealed in 2016 and went on to inspire several other ID models, which are all due to launch over the next five years.

-Volvo XC40 Electric -

The company’s very first electric vehicle, the XC40 EV will arrive after the Polestar 2 and establish a pattern for the company: electric versions of existing models, rather than brand new ones built around batteries and electric motors. That means an electric XC90 will follow.

Hardware will be shared with Polestar, but performance figures and electric range has not yet been confirmed.

*December*

-Audi Q2 e-tron -

A concept version of Audi’s upcoming compact electric SUV is set to be revealed in 2019, with a production model to follow in 2021. It will be based on the VW Group’s MEB platform, and will sit between the Q2 and Q3 in terms of dimensions.

It will be an important model for the brand, and likely become one of its biggest sellers. Design cues will be borrowed from the recently-revealed E-tron GT concept, while the use of MEB should ensure the model is more affordable than its larger electric siblings.

-Honda Urban EV -

It might arrive as a five-door, rather than the three-door layout previewed by the well-received concept shown at 2017’s Frankfurt motor show, but the production version of Honda’s compact electric city car promises to retain its retro-inspired looks. The company even went back to the drawing board after the reveal to make sure the real thing stayed as true to the concept as possible.

The Urban EV will arrive on a unique new platform and a predicted range of 155 miles, and is set to become the brand’s first European electric car. It should be smaller than the Jazz, but no performance figures have been officially announced as of January 2019.

-Nissan Leaf SUV -

Nissan is responsible for two of the most popular cars within their categories on UK roads today. The Qashqai didn’t invent the crossover hatch, but it did popularise it, and the Leaf has quickly become the go-to electric car for the masses thanks to a sensible range and hatchback proportions.

The upcoming Leaf SUV is on track to mash these two ideas together, and is almost certain to become a sales hit when it goes on sale. Nissan has pledged to stay true to its IMx concept, which should mean distinctive looks, longer range and more power when it eventually goes on sale.

-Peugeot 208 Electric-

After being on sale for six years, only the 208 GTi has managed to truly impressed us, so rumours that its replacement will appear in pure-electric form should be guaranteed to get hot hatchback fans excited. The standard 208 will also get an electric version, courtesy of the CMP platform which allows for multiple powertrains.

It won’t get a bespoke design, so will instead share its looks with the petrol and diesel versions when it arrives towards the end of the year. Performance details are still under wraps, but a range of at least 186 miles has been promised.

*Spring 2020*

-Vauxhall e-Corsa -

Due not long after the launch of the petrol version, the electric Corsa will almost certainly prove popular in the UK. The Corsa is regularly one of the country’s most popular cars, and the new version will be the first built under PSA ownership.

It will use the same CMP platform as the Peugeot 208 and DS 3 Crossback, and provide an electric range of up to 250 miles. A brand new visual style, including redesigned grille and all-glass facia, has been predicted, and apparently achieved all within the space of two years following PSA’s buyout of the brand.

-Seat e-Mii-

It has taken far longer to arrive than the Volkswagen e-Up with which it shares a platform, but Seat’s electric city car should finally go on sale by 2020. It may be a tough sell, costing significantly more than the petrol version and needing to undercut the VW to appeal to customers, but Seat has reportedly greenlit the car ahead of any further electric rollout.

-Skoda e-Citigo -

The first electric Skoda will be an adapted version of its small city car. It will deliver a range of around 186 miles, which is significantly more than the Volkswagen e-Up sister car with which it shares a platform. It will then be followed by a dedicated electric model built on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform, although few details are known at present.

*Summer 2020*

-BMW iX3 -

An electric version of BMW’s X3 SUV, the iX3 will arrive with a new four-wheel drive powertrain comprised of two electric motors - one for the front axle and another for the rear. It will closely resemble the petrol-powered X3, rather than take any design inspiration from the more radical i3 and i8, to become only the company’s second pure electric car. Each motor should develop around 270bhp from a 70kWh battery, and be capable of around 249 miles of WLTP-certified range.

-Skoda Vision E -

Set to arrive in SUV and coupe bodystyles in a similar approach to the Kodiaq and China-only Kodiaq GT coupé, Skoda’s first dedicated electric car isn’t expected to go on sale until 2021, but a production version should be revealed in 2020. Both versions will be based on the VW Group’s MEB platform, which is being used across all the company’s brands for electric vehicles. Range has been estimated at at least 300 miles, and pricing will be comparable to an upper-range Kodiaq, meaning roughly £30,000.

*READ MORE *

*Top 10 best electric cars 2019*

*The Winners and losers in 2018’s UK car market *

*What we’re excited for in 2019* Reported by Autocar 36 minutes ago.

Fast Europe Open: Turkey CPI, UK construction PMI

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Reported by FT.com 14 minutes ago.

Arsenal Transfer balls: Navas in, Ozil stays, Pepe ready and Ramsey stinks

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What do Arsenal need in the mid-season transfer sale? A defender below the age of 30 who can tackle and react in the box faster than a three-legged pony? A winger? How about a new goalkeeper? Rumours are that the Gunners have bid £14m for Real Madrid and Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas. He’s 32. What this means for current Arsenal number 1 Bernd Leno is uncertain. You might suppose that Arsenal’s  weak defence was allowing Leno the chance to showcase his talent. You’d be mistaken. Leno has made 45 saves in 15 matches this Premier League season. He’s been beaten 22 times. And you’d be hard pushed to recall a top-class save from the 26-year-old. So Navas it is, then. 

In other Arsenal news, the Gunners are intent on picking Aaron Ramsey until his contract expires in the summer. Juventus want him on a free. Arsenal should get rid now, of course. The idea of Ramsey playing for Arsenal when he’s already agreed to play in Italy is unsettling. Will the injury-prone midfielder tackle hard and run his heart out with a new life in Italy looming? “Yes, we are interested in Aaron Ramsey, he’s a great midfielder. But at the moment he’s an Arsenal player, we’ll see,” says Juventus director Fabio Paratici. Arsenal should move hard to get any fee they can for the player. 

Better news for Arsenal is that Mesut Ozil’s agent insists the 30-year-old midfielder’s future remains at Arsenal despite interest from Real Madrid and Inter Milan. Ozil is a terrific player. Sure, he can’t tackle but then nor can the club’s defenders. 

And finally Arsenal target Nicolas Pepe tells everyone: “For me, that’s for sure. As the president has already said, my desire is to finish the season at Lille. I am under contract until 2022. My idea is to end this season in Lille and then, why not, leave for somewhere in Europe. It would be beautiful.” How heartening for Lille fans to hear that their player wants to go. What price loyalty..? Reported by Anorak 8 hours ago.

Apple suppliers hit as warning reverberates

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iPhone maker’s suppliers lead technology sector lower across Europe and Asia Reported by FT.com 6 hours ago.

Volvo XC40 T4 R-Design Pro AWD long-term review

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Can a shot of the Volvo XC formula work in its smallest measure? Six months will tell us

*Why we’re running it: *To see if the XC40 has the substance in daily use to match its eye-catching style and if its showroom success is justified

-Month 2 - Month 1 - Specs-

-Life with a Volvo XC40: Month 2-

*Meeting a fellow Volvoist - 5 December 2018*

I was filling up the XC40 recently, when a man in an XC60 parked at the pump behind me. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him nod and smile at me. It was fellow Volvo camaraderie! The love-in continued when we passed each other in the shop. Him: “Nice new Volvo!” Me: “We have great taste!” Isn’t it great when our enthusiasm for a car or car maker brings good cheer?

*Mileage: 2681*

*Back to the top*

*Expecting estimates to improve - 21 November 2018*

Following our observation that the XC40’s mpg wasn’t great, a reader made contact to agree. His Volvo dealer told him “fuel consumption will be rubbish for the first 3000 miles”. Based on that, we’re optimistic we’ll see improvements. So far, the mpg is excellent on the open road and particularly poor in towns. Overall, our current consumption is 28.9mpg.

*Mileage: 2461*

*Back to the top*

*We’ve canvassed opinions, the people have spoken – and they like it. Here’s why - 7th November 2018*

It has been an easy first few weeks with our XC40 long-term test car. It has been carrier to many friends and family, all of whom have greeted it in exactly the same way: with praise. All have been interested in the car – what’s it like, what does it rival, how they’ve always liked Volvos. Me too, I say.

My theory is that awareness of Volvos is still rising and the good but different looks of the XC40 help it stand out from the crowded crowd. An old friend’s partner, who drives a Toyota Hilux, tells me he likes Volvos for their lack of ostentatiousness and how he has fond memories of an XC90 rented some years back.

That’s the thing with Volvos. People seem to have fond memories of boxy Volvos of old, such as the 200 Series or 850, and none of the bad memories of idiotic drivers on the roads like, totally hypothetically speaking (cough), they might have of a BMW or Mercedes driver…

Anyway, back to the car at hand. So far, it has done plenty of trips around the M25 and up the M1 to my home, the home counties, proving itself to be an excellent motorway cruiser. There is absolutely nothing of note on these journeys except how comfortable and peaceful it is.

There was a trip to the Shuttleworth Collection, a celebration of heritage planes but also cars, reminding us of the wonders of vehicle engineering over more than a century, helping us to progress to today – and cars as impressive as the XC40.

My partner and I took custody of my niece and nephew for an afternoon, perfectly demonstrating the family friendliness of the car. Two child seats went in easily, both in terms of fitting and size, and my three-year-old niece (“I’m four in November,” we heard a lot) approved of the car. Now that she’s noticed that aunty regularly turns up in a number of different cars, she’s a harsh critic.

Still, she was easily won over by the panoramic sunroof, and even more so when we let her control it briefly. The other weekend jaunt in the Volvo was to Thame Food Festival, full of chutney, fudge and deliciously fattening food. It was also the first chance I’ve had to take my all-wheel-drive XC40 off road. Admittedly, it was some very dry but bumpy grass, so that didn’t push its limits, but it held its own well, with far less juddering than plenty of its two-wheel-drive rivals on uneven ground.

It feels too premium and pretty to want to push the limits with it off road – which is why I predict almost no owners will use it in such a way – but still, it’s nice to know it’s there. It’s particularly comforting when thinking about the winter months ahead and my journeys to my parents on non-gritted hilly country lanes.

This outing of over-eating demonstrated decent space in the back, too. My unwilling friend (as the photo shows) was happy with the XC40’s ample leg room, even if she wasn’t allowed to eat churros in there…

The only negative comment I’ve had so far concerns the price. When family and friends ask how much the car costs and I say “around 40 grand”, their response is “well, it should be bloody nice!”. There’s no like-for-like rival in the Audi Q3 line-up but its range-topping model, the 2.0 TFSI 180PS Black Edition quattro, costs £36,945. Volvo’s ultimate range-topper – one up from ours – is the D5, which in this trim costs £37,320. The point is the Volvo might be a tad more expensive than other premium compact SUVs, but not enough to be a major negative factor in buying decisions.

*Love it:*

*BROAD APPEAL *Getting lots of good attention from friends.

*Loathe it:*

*IRRITATING DRIVER TECH *Some of its driving assistance systems are deeply annoying.

*Mileage: 2349*

*Back to the top*

-Life with a Volvo XC40: Month 1-

*Top-quality cabin finish - 17th October 2018*

The XC40’s interior materials might not seem that interesting. But honestly, they are worthy of note. The industrial felt in the doors and around the footwell not only looks cool and original, but is also made from recycled plastic bottles. I like the ridged floor mats too. They’re understated, smart and different from the boring equivalents.

*Mileage: 1759*

*Back to the top*

*Welcoming the XC40 to the fleet - 10th October 2018*

Reader, a disclaimer: I’m a Volvo fan. I love its cars for not being ostentatiously German yet still premium, I love them for having a bit of cool Swedishness about them and I love them for their comfort. I sold my 2009 C30 a few years ago, and still regret it.

I’m not alone, though. Volvo has undergone a resurgence in recent years, with an incredibly fresh model line-up (the oldest model, the V40, is five years old and will be replaced next year). Testament to this is last year’s sales figures: Volvo sold 571,577 cars worldwide, an increase of 7% on the previous year. By comparison, Jaguar sold 178,601.

In the SUV sector, the XC90 and XC60 have already done wonders in their respective segments, but last year came arguably the most important of them all: the XC40.

This compact SUV brings some welcome fresh blood into a hugely competitive segment: it vies with the Mercedes-Benz GLA, BMW X1, Audi Q3, Range Rover Evoque and a plethora of cheaper but very good rivals, such as the Seat Ateca and Nissan Qashqai.

So far, the XC40 has certainly proved its worth. It sold 5610 units in Europe in July, more than the XC60 and more than double its rival, the Evoque – which is reason enough for Autocar to see whether the hype is justified by having one on our fleet for the next six months.

Looks are always subjective but, personally, I reckon Volvo has nailed the XC40. It manages to appear different from the XC90 and XC60 while still having a commonality and, crucially, it stands out from all the other compact SUVs on the road. Its British designer, Ian Kettle, has since been poached by Tesla, showing that it has been well received not only by buyers but the industry too.

We’ve gone for the middle-of-the-range petrol engine, the four-cylinder 2.0-litre producing 187bhp and called T4, in range-topping R-Design Pro trim. The T4 comes only with all-wheel drive and an automatic eight-speed transmission, although, of course, plenty of the variants are available with front-wheel drive and a manual ’box. For now, the entry-level D3 diesel remains the biggest seller in the UK, but Volvo expects it to swing towards petrol in the not too distant future.

Our XC40 achieves 0-62mph in a respectable 8.5sec. The fastest variant, the T5, shaves 2.0sec off that and the slowest is the D3 AWD with automatic gearbox at 10.4sec. Our car costs £35,820. We have plenty of options, but even the most basic XC40 has a good specification.

This includes navigation, a 9.0in centre console touchscreen, rear parking sensors, LED headlights with active high beam, cruise control and hill-start assist. Volvo prides itself on leading on car safety (earlier this year, research found that there had never been any passenger or driver fatalities from car-on-car collisions in an XC90 in the UK since 2004, when records started) and so it includes three safety systems as standard.

These are City Safety, which can detect pedestrians, cyclists and large animals, and front collision warning with fully automatic emergency braking; Oncoming Lane Mitigation, which automatically provides steering assistance if you drift out of your lane; and Run-off Road Protection, which tightens the front seatbelts if the car leaves the road and front seat frames with a collapsible section to reduce vertical forces and help prevent spinal injuries, says Volvo.

Our option list is extensive but most notable in terms of extra cost are two packs. The first, the £1500 Intellisafe Pro, gives you more safety tech, such as rear collision mitigation and cross traffic alert, as well as auto-folding door mirrors. The second, the £1600 Xenium pack, brings the panoramic sunroof, 360deg parking camera and automatic parallel and 90deg parking.

First impressions? As I’d hoped and expected: the XC40 is instantly comfortable. Comfortable on long and short journeys, with a cosy, enclosing interior that I expect will treat me well over the winter months.

It’s perfect around town and surprisingly nifty getting into small spaces on narrow roads with parallel parking. I haven’t pushed our XC40 on the handling front yet, but that’s not its goal. Instead, the car offers light if not wholly precise steering perfect for urban driving. The R-Design Pro is a harder ride than some of the lesser trims but it is still acceptable over the endless speed bumps on my commute.

I have two minor gripes so far. The notch gearstick takes some getting used to. Presumably, it has been used to keep the feature as compact as possible, but even after a couple of weeks with the car, I sometimes have to check in the driver display that I’m in reverse, not drive, or vice versa.

The other thing is fuel economy. Official combined economy so far is 40.4mpg. We have got it to a best of 28mpg so will be watching it closely as we run the car in to see if or when that figure improves.

*Second Opinion*

I’m really liking the Volvo XC40. It looks great and is comfortable and well-finished. The ride’s a bit lumpy at low speed but, if that’s the price of lower-than-Audi road noise, I’ll take it any day. Surprised at the current sub-30mpg real-world fuel consumption. Maybe it’ll improve with miles. We’ll see…

*Steve Cropley*

*Back to the top*

-Volvo XC40 T4 R-Design Pro AWD specification-

*Specs: Price New* £35,820 *Price as tested:* £41,620 *Options: * Convenience pack £350, Intellisafe Pro £1500, Xenium pack £1600, gearshift paddles £125, power passenger seat £300, wireless/inductive mobile phone charging £175, power-operated tailgate £375, Tempa spare wheel and jack £150, smartphone integration with two USB hubs £300, keyless entry and keyless start with remote tag plus hands-free tailgate opening/closing £350, metallic paint £575

**Test Data: Engine* *4-cylinder in-line, 1969cc, turbocharged petrol **Power **188bhp at 4700rpm **Torque* *210lb-ft at 1400-4000rpm* *Top speed** 130mph **0-62mph* *8.2sec **Claimed fuel economy** 40.9mpg **Test fuel economy* *28mpg **CO2* *161g/km **Faults* *None* *Expenses* *None

*Back to the top* Reported by Autocar 6 hours ago.

Special Report: How a soccer agent and Chinese tycoon planned to trade in players

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In early 2016, Europe's most powerful soccer agent, Jorge Mendes, stood dressed in his trademark dark suit and white shirt alongside Chinese billionaire Guo Guangchang at a luxury hotel in Shanghai. They were there to launch a new partnership in front of an audience of soccer glitterati, including former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho and bosses from major European clubs. Reported by Reuters 4 hours ago.

The black soldiers called the Harlem Hellfighters who brought jazz to Europe

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The black soldiers called the Harlem Hellfighters who brought jazz to Europe Fighting alongside allies on the Western Front, The 369th Infantry (pictured) introduced jazz music to British, French and other European audiences. Reported by MailOnline 2 hours ago.

Spanish coastguards rescue 400 migrants trying to cross Mediterranean in first two days of 2019

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Hundreds of people saved within first hours of new year on main sea crossing route into Europe Reported by Independent 2 hours ago.

Liverpool transfer news: Star could stay and sign new deal despite FIVE clubs chasing him

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Liverpool transfer news: Star could stay and sign new deal despite FIVE clubs chasing him LIVERPOOL could hand Daniel Sturridge a new contract amid interest from a host of Europe’s top sides. Reported by Daily Star 1 hour ago.

Notification according to chapter 9, section 10 of the securities markets act

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Efore Plc          Stock Exchange Release   3.1.2019  at 16.15

*
Notification according to chapter 9, section 10 of the securities markets act
*
Efore Plc has received a notification with reference to Chapter 9, paragraph 5 of the Finnish Securities Markets Act.

Issuing company: Efore Plc

Basis of announcement: An event changing the breakdown of shares or voting rights

Complete name: Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (publ), Stockholm, Sweden

Date of transaction and exceeding the threshold: January 2, 2019

Total position of person(s) subject to the notification obligations:
  % of shares and voting rights % of shares and voting rights through financial instruments % of total Total number of shares and voting rights of issuer
Resulting situation on the date on which the threshold was crossed or reached 0.10  0.19   0.29 421 636 788
Position of previous notification (if applicable) 9.15  (8.91 ) 9.15  Notified details of the resulting situation on the date on which the threshold was reached/crossed:

A: Shares and voting rights
Class/type of shares Number of shares and voting rights Number of shares and voting rights % of shares and voting rights % of shares and voting rights
  Direct Indirect Direct Indirect
  (SMA 9:5) (SMA 9:6 and 9:7) (SMA 9:5) (SMA 9:6 and 9:7)
FI0009900054    435 154    0.10 %
Subtotal A 435 154 0.10 %B: Financial Instruments according to SMA 9:6a

Type of financial instrument Expiration date Exercise/Conversion Period Physical or cash settlement Number of shares and voting rights % of shares and voting rights
 FI4000359609     Physical 25 600 0.01 %
 FI4000359617     Physical 766 878 0.18 %
Subtotal B 792 478 0.19 %

Full chain of controlled undertakings through which the voting rights and/or the financial instruments are effectively held starting with the ultimate controlling natural person or legal entity:

Name % of shares and voting rights % of shares and voting rights through financial instruments Total of both
Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (Publ)      
SEB Life International Assurance Company Ltd. 0.10 % 0.19 0.29 %

SEB AB (publ.)´s previously reported trading book position is now below 5%.
EFORE PLC

Vesa Leino                    Olli Mustonen
President and CEO           CFO

For further information please contact Vesa Leino, President and CEO, tel. + 358 40 759 89 56 or Olli Mustonen, CFO, tel. + 358 50 573 5585.

DISTRIBUTION  

Nasdaq Helsinki Oy
Principal mediaEfore Group
Efore is an international Group which develops and produces demanding power products. Efore's head office is based in Finland and its sales, marketing and R&D functions are located in Europe and China. The Group also has a sales and marketing unit in the United States. In the financial year ended on December 2017, consolidated net sales totalled EUR 69.9 million and the Group's personnel averaged 432. The parent company's share is quoted on the Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. www.efore.fi Reported by GlobeNewswire 58 minutes ago.

Triple W to Feature DFree at CES 2019 – First Health Tech Wearable for Incontinence

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Monitors Bladder With Ultrasound and Lets You Know When It’s Time to Go

SAN DIEGO (PRWEB) January 03, 2019

Triple W, an innovator of connected health devices, will feature DFree®, the first wearable device for incontinence, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), in Las Vegas, January 8-11. According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, urinary incontinence affects 500 million people worldwide.

DFree uses ultrasound technology to monitor bladder fullness and notifies you on your smartphone or tablet when it’s time to go to the bathroom. DFree helps to prevent accidental urinary leaks. Seniors and people with disability who need to manage a loss of bladder control now have an alternative to disposable diapers or pads and medications with the DFree wearable health device from Triple W. DFree stands for “diaper-free.”

DFree was named a CES 2019 Innovation Award Honoree and recently received the Innovative HME (Home Medical Equipment) Retail Product Award. DFree is designed not only to help people with incontinence improve their quality of life and enable independence, but also to help reduce the burden for the caregivers.

To learn more about DFree, visit Triple W during CES at the following locations:

1). CES Unveiled Media Event, Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019 -- 5:00-8:30 pm
Mandalay Bay - Shorelines Exhibit Hall

2). ShowStoppers Media Event, Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019 -- 6:00-10:00 pm
Wynn Hotel, Lafite Ballroom

3). CES Tradeshow, Tuesday – Friday, January 8-11, 2019
Tech West/Sands Expo -- Eureka Park - Hall G
JETRO booth - Triple W #51075

About Triple W
Triple W empowers people with incontinence to live without worries. Triple W believes that having control of your senses is the key to independence and living life to the fullest. The company was founded in 2015 and has offices in Tokyo, Paris and San Diego. DFree’s award-winning and patented technology is currently used in over 500 senior care facilities in Japan, Europe and the U.S. since 2017. For more information visit: http://www.dfreeus.biz

Notes:
D FREE is a registered trademark of Triple W Japan K.K. in the U.S. and other countries.
*DFree is not a medical device and is not intended to be used in the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of diseases or conditions. Reported by PRWeb 48 minutes ago.
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